One Year Later
The day was much like today. The weather- quite similar. The trees stood still but the rain fell hard from the cool, gray sky. Not much of the Spring day we envision when we think of May, but the weather one year ago was just like today, though the mood was much more uplifting.
It's been exactly a year since I walked across that stage for the second time, and shook the hand of the president of St. John's, as he handed me my (empty) diploma. My real diploma arrived in the mail a few weeks later, stating in fancy calligraphy, "Elizabeth V. Slot Master of Science in Education." Those were some words. Master. Master of Science. Education. They fit together nicely and flowed off my tongue quite fluently. It was such a happy occasion. I was relieved to be done, excited to see what came next, proud of my friends and peers. Of course I was sad to leave the place that had been my home away from home for six years, but every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end, and I was ready for a change.
I moved home about a month after graduation and the real fun began. I spent my days searching for job openings online, filling out applications for hours, practicing my signature for the bottom of my cover letters, licking envelopes, attaching files, printing, saving, and emailing. I got to have a little fun while teaching summer school to some darn cute second graders for a few hours a day, only to return back to my desk-turned-application-center. A year later? I'm doing the exact same thing. I was lucky and grateful to get that foot of mine in the door and I do love my job. Teaching is extremely hard work, but when the kids make me smile or laugh, it is a simple reminder that this is why I do what I do.
I try to keep the same positive outlook, confident belief that the next job will be even better than the last, and another step closer to the dream job. Aside from the entire job and work aspect of the last year of my life, living back in CT has had its many ups and downs. It's a difficult adjustment to go from the freedom of being on my own and being responsible for only myself to moving in under my mother's roof, helping her out, and living by her house rules. It is, without a doubt, a great opportunity for my mom and I to bond, to build on this uniquely "us" relationship that we have, and know that I will look back on this past year as one of my best. I have built strong friendships and rekindled old friendships with people that I didn't get to see as often when I was away in New York. Some friendships have been tested, some seem to have drifted. But I have learned that this is what happens in life. People change. Things happen- often times out of out own control, but never without a reason. I have traveled. I have saved money. I have explored my beautiful state. I have spent a lot more time with family here and have gotten closer with aunts, uncles, and cousins. I began dating a wonderful guy that I owe so much to and who I appreciate taking time to learn about me and understand the crazy quirks I tend to display. I also am blessed to have his support in all that I do and his encouraging words and actions. Though it doesn't feel like it, I am a different person than I was a year ago. I have really learned a lot about my surrounding world but also, and more importantly, about myself and who I am. The last year of my life, the first year of my life as a Master, has been filled with experiences, good and bad, that I know are allowing me to spread my wings, making sure I am good and ready before I make my ascent, take flight, and soar.
It's been exactly a year since I walked across that stage for the second time, and shook the hand of the president of St. John's, as he handed me my (empty) diploma. My real diploma arrived in the mail a few weeks later, stating in fancy calligraphy, "Elizabeth V. Slot Master of Science in Education." Those were some words. Master. Master of Science. Education. They fit together nicely and flowed off my tongue quite fluently. It was such a happy occasion. I was relieved to be done, excited to see what came next, proud of my friends and peers. Of course I was sad to leave the place that had been my home away from home for six years, but every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end, and I was ready for a change.
I moved home about a month after graduation and the real fun began. I spent my days searching for job openings online, filling out applications for hours, practicing my signature for the bottom of my cover letters, licking envelopes, attaching files, printing, saving, and emailing. I got to have a little fun while teaching summer school to some darn cute second graders for a few hours a day, only to return back to my desk-turned-application-center. A year later? I'm doing the exact same thing. I was lucky and grateful to get that foot of mine in the door and I do love my job. Teaching is extremely hard work, but when the kids make me smile or laugh, it is a simple reminder that this is why I do what I do.
I try to keep the same positive outlook, confident belief that the next job will be even better than the last, and another step closer to the dream job. Aside from the entire job and work aspect of the last year of my life, living back in CT has had its many ups and downs. It's a difficult adjustment to go from the freedom of being on my own and being responsible for only myself to moving in under my mother's roof, helping her out, and living by her house rules. It is, without a doubt, a great opportunity for my mom and I to bond, to build on this uniquely "us" relationship that we have, and know that I will look back on this past year as one of my best. I have built strong friendships and rekindled old friendships with people that I didn't get to see as often when I was away in New York. Some friendships have been tested, some seem to have drifted. But I have learned that this is what happens in life. People change. Things happen- often times out of out own control, but never without a reason. I have traveled. I have saved money. I have explored my beautiful state. I have spent a lot more time with family here and have gotten closer with aunts, uncles, and cousins. I began dating a wonderful guy that I owe so much to and who I appreciate taking time to learn about me and understand the crazy quirks I tend to display. I also am blessed to have his support in all that I do and his encouraging words and actions. Though it doesn't feel like it, I am a different person than I was a year ago. I have really learned a lot about my surrounding world but also, and more importantly, about myself and who I am. The last year of my life, the first year of my life as a Master, has been filled with experiences, good and bad, that I know are allowing me to spread my wings, making sure I am good and ready before I make my ascent, take flight, and soar.
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